A 100-YEAR-OLD pair of creative hands and a fine mind have rewarded Doris Olds with a lifetime of proud achievements, writes ANITA HOWELLS.

Celebrating her centenary birthday on Saturday, April 12, Doris' home at Yew Tree Farm, Clehonger, was testament to years of fine needlework.

Doris, who has 10 great-grandchildren, four grandchildren, three daughters and two sons was joined by family, including members who had flown especially from Australia, for a weekend of celebrations. They were due to gather for a family lunch at Thruxton Court, Castle Mount on Sunday.

Much respected in her village, Doris is a keen fundraiser for her church and still hosts cream teas and barbecues.

She is also an honorary president of the Over 60s Club of which she was a founder member, was a Women's Institute president and has been a member of the WRVS since 1940, carrying out voluntary work in Hereford.

Doris was born in Whittlesay, Cambridgeshire and attended private school at Stonehouse where she studied tapestry, embroidery, French, drawing and the pianoforte. She has practised what she learnt throughout her life.

She moved to Hereford with her late husband Frank when he was transferred from Hull to take charge of the Ministry of National Insurance in the city. They moved to Clehonger in 1957.

Doris maintains a lively interest in anything going on. Instead of her fine needlework she now knits for refugees.